Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Gene Carpenter
Sep 25th, 1941 - Dec 24th, 2021Alvin Eugene “Gene” Carpenter, age 80, of Clay City, Illinois, passed away Friday afternoon, December 24, 2021, at HSHS St. Anthony’s Hospital in Effingham.
He was born September 25, 1941, in Blue Eye, Missouri, the son of Herman Dale and Margaret Bessie (Simpkins) Carpenter. He was united in marriage to Shirley Jean Stipp on June 5, 1959, and together they shared 58 wedding anniversaries until her death May 29, 2018.
Few men could wear a cowboy hat and boots as naturally as Gene Carpenter. Although you were often welcomed by his friendly smile, sometimes the melody of Gene’s whistling was heard before you ever caught sight of him. During his early days, he worked in the oil fields, and then followed an opportunity to operate heavy equipment. Working on the backhoe was especially appealing to Gene, and would become a lifelong love, along with raising and tending to livestock and working with horses. He enjoyed his customary stops for coffee and catching up with friends, as well as joining together with family for gatherings and reunions. Gene was a member of the Flora Assembly of God Church where he served on the board for many years. His church family, his faith, and his love for Jesus were all very important to him.
He is survived by his children: Sonny Dale Carpenter, Donna Jo Carpenter, and Debra Jean (Mark) Phillips, all of Clay City; 4 grandchildren: Crystal (Ryan) Hosselton, Michael (Naomi) Phillips, Misty (Jarrod) Parish, and Carl Carpenter; 9 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; a sister: Mary (Lynn) Clark of Kansas City, MO; a brother: Don (Glenda) Carpenter of Chillicothe, MO; sister-in-law: Joyce Carpenter of Lawson, MO; a brother-in-law: Charlie Atchison of Kansas City, MO; and extended family: Tom and Gina Brooks and family of Clay City.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife: Shirley Jean Carpenter; 2 brothers: E.C. and Zeke Carpenter; a sister: Billie Atchison; and beloved grandson: Jesse Dale Carpenter.
Funeral services honoring the life of Gene will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Pastor Lee Woods and Steve Prather officiating. Interment will follow in Oskaloosa Cemetery. Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Everyone is encouraged to wear a mask and follow the CDC guidelines. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family strongly prefers memorial donations in Gene’s memory be given to Flora Assembly of God Church and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com